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The Country Boy Mine, founded in 1887, is one of the oldest and most famous mines in Summit County, Colorado. Early in its over 100 year history, The Country Boy Mine was known for its gold and silver production and later earned national fame by producing large quantities of high grade lead and zinc for use in World War I and World War II.
Mining was and still is an integral part of Colorado's and our nation's history. The valuable ore brought out of the Country Boy Mine and the hundreds of other mines in the area played a significant role in shaping the West and bringing prosperity to the U.S. With the rapid deterioration and disappearance of historic mines in Colorado, The Country Boy Mine plays an important role in preserving Colorado's mining history and serves to share with people the rich history of this most remarkable past.
In 1991, the Tomlinson Brothers, Doug and David, along with their wives Betsy and Andrea conceived the dream of restoring the collapsed mine and mine site into a historical venue. As was true in the 1800's, much work and toil went into the restoration of the mine. Eight collapsed areas of the mine had to be cleared out, new timbers were installed, the blacksmith shop was restored, an office and a barn were constructed and a gift shop and museum were built.
Throughout the mine's history there have been several owners, including the prominent Phipps family of Denver. Brothers Gerald and Allan Phipps are most remembered for their ownership of the Denver Broncos from 1961 through 1981. Their father, Lawrence C. Phipps Jr., bought several properties in Breckenridge in the late 1940's, including the Country Boy Mine. The family fortune began with Lawrence C. Phipps, Sr., who made his wealth with Carnegie Steel in the late 1800's, and was elected as a US Senator representing Colorado from 1919 until 1931. The Phipps family members have been prominent leaders of industry in Colorado with involvement in construction, trucking, professional sports, ranching and real estate, among others.
In December 2006, the ownership of the Country Boy Mine changed hands once again when Paul Hintgen and his wife Cindy, from Denver, purchased the mine from the Tomlinson Family. Today, we welcome you to come and enjoy the Country Boy Mine for its wealth of history and gold, both past and present.
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Family Owned and Operated
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